Friday, September 18, 2015

In 1973, music historian Mike Leadbetter wrote, “‘Locally owned and nationally known,’ wails the radio commercial for Stan’s Record Shops and if you’re anywhere in the South you’re bound to agree: Stan Lewis is the record man down there, with several record labels, retail outlets and a distribution set-up that links Shreveport, Louisiana (his home) with Memphis and New Orleans” (“Serving the South,” Blues Unlimited, December 1973/January 1974).

Lewis used multiple radio commercials to advertise his record stores. These six jingles from the early 1970s share a great deal in common – similar (or identical) music and lyrics. The main difference is the singer. Be sure not to miss Shreveport soul singers Eddie Giles and Reuben Bell on the two commercials designated “rhythm and blues.”